Proteins

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What is a protein?

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A protein is a large, complex molecule made up of amino acids that performs a variety of functions in the body, including catalyzing biochemical reactions, providing structure, and regulating processes.

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What are amino acids?

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Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different amino acids that combine in various sequences to form proteins.

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What is dehydration synthesis?

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Dehydration synthesis is a chemical reaction in which two molecules are bonded together with the removal of a water molecule, commonly occurring when amino acids link to form proteins.

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What is hydrolysis?

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Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that involves the breaking down of a compound by the addition of water, often used to break down proteins into amino acids.

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What is the primary structure of a protein?

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The primary structure of a protein is the unique sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.

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What is the secondary structure of a protein?

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The secondary structure of a protein refers to the local folded structures that form within a polypeptide due to hydrogen bonding, commonly seen as alpha helices and beta sheets.

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What is the tertiary structure of a protein?

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The tertiary structure of a protein is the overall three-dimensional shape formed by the folding of a polypeptide chain, determined by interactions among various side chains.

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What is denaturation?

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Denaturation is the process in which a protein loses its native structure due to external stress or conditions, such as heat or pH changes, leading to a loss of function.

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What are enzymes?

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Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process, and they are primarily made of proteins.

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What is the active site of an enzyme?

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The active site of an enzyme is the specific region where substrate molecules bind and undergo a chemical reaction.